Overview
Since medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018, specialist doctors have been able to prescribe Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) to patients whose conditions have not responded adequately to conventional treatments. However, there is no definitive statutory list of qualifying conditions — eligibility is determined case by case by a specialist doctor.
That said, clinical evidence and guidance from bodies including the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) has established a number of conditions for which there is meaningful evidence of benefit.
Conditions With the Strongest Evidence
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is by far the most common reason patients in the UK access medical cannabis. This includes neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, back pain, and pain associated with conditions like arthritis. Multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews support the use of cannabinoids in reducing pain scores and improving quality of life.
Epilepsy (Treatment-Resistant)
Children and adults with treatment-resistant epilepsy were among the first to gain access to medical cannabis in the UK. Epidyolex (cannabidiol) is licensed for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Other CBPMs may be prescribed for other forms of severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Spasticity
Sativex (nabiximols) is the only cannabis-based medicine with a full UK marketing authorisation, specifically for MS-related spasticity that has not responded to other treatments. It is available on NHS Scotland and privately across the UK.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is increasingly recognised as a condition that may benefit from cannabis-based treatment. Cannabis can help with sleep disturbance, hyperarousal, and anxiety — core symptoms of PTSD. Several UK clinics specialise in PTSD and work closely with veterans and trauma survivors.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder can all potentially be treated with medical cannabis, particularly CBD-dominant products. Eligibility typically requires that first-line treatments (therapy, SSRIs) have been tried without adequate relief.
Other Conditions That May Qualify
- Cancer-related symptoms — pain, nausea, cachexia
- Crohn's disease and IBD — pain and inflammation
- Endometriosis — pelvic pain and inflammation
- ADHD — growing clinical evidence, particularly in adults
- Tourette syndrome — tic reduction
- Insomnia — sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance insomnia
- Migraine — preventive and acute use
- Parkinson's disease — tremor and muscle rigidity
- Autism spectrum disorder — behaviour and anxiety
How Is Eligibility Assessed?
A specialist doctor will review your medical history, previous treatments tried, and current symptoms. They will assess whether a CBPM is clinically appropriate and whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. You will typically need to provide evidence that standard treatments have been tried and failed.
How to Find Out If You Qualify
The best starting point is an initial consultation with a specialist medical cannabis clinic. Many clinics offer a free eligibility check or low-cost initial assessment. Use our clinic directory to find a clinic near you or offering remote consultations.